By Sam Hodges
May 10, 2016 | PORTLAND, Oregon (UMNS)
Bishop Kenneth Carter was set to undergo surgery for a severed tendon on the afternoon of May 12 at Portland’s Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.
The Florida Conference episcopal leader fell in the plenary hall of General Conference here Tuesday, May 10, injuring his left knee badly enough that he required a wheelchair.
The accident occurred about 4 p.m., just before the official organization of the General Conference, the top legislative body of The United Methodist Church. Carter stumbled on steps leading to the raised area where bishops sit during plenary sessions.
Bishops Grant Hagiya and Robert Schnase were among those coming to his aid.
Carter was treated at the Oregon Convention Center, a cold pack placed on his left knee. But he was clearly in acute pain, and unable to stand. On the advice of medical personnel, he agreed to be taken to Legacy Emanuel for evaluation.
His wife, Pam Carter, has been with him there.
General Conference delegates have been given updates. At the close of the morning session on May 12, they were told about the surgery and asked to pray for Carter and the surgery team.
Hodges, a United Methodist News Service writer, lives in Dallas. Contact him at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org
